City comparison
Yes. Oklahoma City's crime index is 183 versus 212 in Aurora, and its violent crime index is 197 versus 248, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Oklahoma City is cheaper. Median rent is $1,130 a month versus $1,835 in Aurora.
The cost gap between Oklahoma City and Aurora is the real story here. Oklahoma City comes in 38% cheaper on typical rent ($1,130 vs $1,835), which over a year adds up to $8,460. Median household income runs $68,656 in Oklahoma City and $88,368 in Aurora.
This is a genuine split. Oklahoma City wins on cost of living and safety and Aurora wins on the job market. Which matters more depends entirely on how you live: remote workers and families weight these categories differently than commuters or single professionals.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Oklahoma City at $1,130 average has pockets that run $930 and others at $1,530: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Oklahoma City and Aurora are 497 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City to $1,835 a month in Aurora, up $705 a month (62%).
Median household income goes from $68,656 in Oklahoma City to $88,368 in Aurora, up $19,712 (29%).
The crime index goes from 183 in Oklahoma City to 212 in Aurora, up 29 points (16%).
The move
Aurora and Oklahoma City are 497 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,835 a month in Aurora to $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City, down $705 a month (38%).
Median household income goes from $88,368 in Aurora to $68,656 in Oklahoma City, down $19,712 (22%).
The crime index goes from 212 in Aurora to 183 in Oklahoma City, down 29 points (14%).
Oklahoma City, OK
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Aurora, CO
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Oklahoma City and Aurora? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
38% cheaper
Oklahoma City rent is 38% cheaper than Aurora
Oklahoma City
Winner$1,130/mo
Aurora
$1,835/mo
Typical rent runs $1,130 a month in Oklahoma City versus $1,835 in Aurora, so Oklahoma City is 38% cheaper. That's roughly $705/month back in your pocket ($8,460/year). Over five years that's $42,300 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Aurora, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Oklahoma City is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Oklahoma City? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
29% higher
Aurora's median income is 29% higher than Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
$68,656
Aurora
Winner$88,368
Median household income is $88,368 in Aurora versus $68,656 in Oklahoma City, so typical pay runs 29% higher in Aurora (about $19,712 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Aurora is the stronger labor market on paper. Oklahoma City can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
14% lower crime
Oklahoma City's crime index is 14% lower than Aurora
Oklahoma City
Winner183 (100 = avg)
Aurora
212 (100 = avg)
Oklahoma City's crime index is 183 versus 212 in Aurora (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 14% lower in Oklahoma City. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Oklahoma City, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Aurora. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
Neck and neck
Oklahoma City and Aurora are about even on typical weather.
Oklahoma City
61°F avg · 69°F highs · comfort 89/100
Aurora
61°F avg · 71°F highs · comfort 89/100
Oklahoma City averages about 61°F (69°F highs); Aurora averages about 61°F (71°F highs). Oklahoma City averages around 61°F. Aurora averages around 61°F. On daily comfort these two are close enough that the better fit is whichever season you already know you can live with.
Fit check
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Oklahoma City is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 38% cheaper here at about $1,130 a month. Choose Oklahoma City if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Oklahoma City is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 14% lower than Aurora (183 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Aurora is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 29% higher here ($88,368). Start with Aurora if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Bottom line
On rent alone, Oklahoma City undercuts Aurora by $705/month ($1,130 vs $1,835). I would not pick Aurora on housing cost without a job that clears that spread.
Oklahoma City rent at $1,130/month is still below Aurora's $1,835, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Safety scores read 42/100 in Oklahoma City and 37/100 in Aurora.
Oklahoma City is the default on housing cost at $1,130/month versus $1,835 in Aurora; Aurora stays in play when $88,368 local pay or an existing job offer outweighs the $705 lease gap.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Oklahoma City when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Oklahoma City and Aurora, plus other cities in OK and CO.
